Turkish FA defers action on match-fixing

Turkish police questioned more footballers and officials in a match-fixing investigation as the FA said last season's results would stand as it lacked evidence to launch its own probe.

The federation's decision meant champions Fenerbahce, at the centre of the police investigation, were confirmed as champions and would take part in the Champions League with runners-up Trabzonspor, as long as UEFA agrees.

A Turkish court has already jailed Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim and 25 other officials and players pending trial on charges of manipulation in 19 matches and on Monday, police detained another 22 people, including Trabzonspor's chairman.

Among the matches under investigation was Fenerbahce's 4-3 victory over Sivasspor which clinched the title on the final day of the season, according to media reports.

Those already jailed pending trial include four Fenerbahce executives, the chairman of Sivasspor, the coach of Eskisehirspor, Sivasspor's goalkeeper and the former chairmen of Diyarbakirspor and Giresunspor.

Turkish Football Federation chairman Mehmet Ali Aydinlar said it could not yet launch its own probe enquiry as it did not yet have any evidence or documentation.

"The disciplinary investigation will begin after the court accepts the indictment to be prepared by the prosecutor's office," Aydinlar told reporters after a meeting between the federation and club chairmen on Monday.

A former federation chairman is among those who have been questioned by police.

Speculation that Fenerbahce could be stripped of its title knocked a third of the value its shares last week, but it rose 8 percent on Tuesday after the federation's comments.